My Big Fat Greek Orthodox Baptism

 I’d like to welcome you to my baptism - I may only be months old but quite a few people are coming to my special celebration. All sorts of goodies are set out but you have to wait till after the ceremony to sample all the cup-cakes, profiteroles and sweets.                                            

We are at the church dedicated to Saint Dimitrios in Lakkia. And, yes, there are foxes in the fields around the village which is maybe why that motif was chosen for my invitations.                                                  

Here we are inside. Mum is holding me while the priest carries out the sacramental exorcism. It’s a special privilege for Vasilis to be my Nonos – godfather – so he must be cleansed before he can assume his duties. At the end he has to spit three times to dispatch the devil but wearing a mask doesn’t make that easy!                                             

Now Nonos is holding me as my parents, Zoe and Antonis, look on and the priest fills the font with water. But it’s not bath-time yet – how strange!                                        

It’s just a tad embarrassing to be disrobed and stand starkers before my guests, but it’s all part of the tradition.                                           

Apparently I’m quite an exception as most babies cry their lungs out at this point. I love baths and this was great – even when he dunked me completely into the water. If he hadn’t been holding me so tightly, I’d have given him a good splash just for the fun of it!                                                 

The priest has to give me my first hair cut as an Orthodox babe - cute, huh?                                                 

And now that I’ve been bathed and named (names can be a secret up to the dunking bit!) I get to put on my new gear – a special gift from my Nonos. Cool!                                                  

                                                    

                                   
Just a minute – that handbag! Surely not part of my outfit, is it? I’ve heard of bringing up children as non-gender specific, but give me a break!   

                                    

Great - no handbag but there is this silly blue hat. I’m going to shed that shortly! And now Nonos has to circle the font three times. He really is dancing to my attention!

This, I think was my Nonos’ favourite part of the ritual. My Mum has to bow to him three times and kiss his hand to show respect for him in the duties he has undertaken!

 Well, that’s that done. While my guests are outside, stuffing their faces with the goodies, my Mum and Dad, along with my grandparents, Anna and Ioannis, and my Auntie Eirirni, have decided to pose for pictures. Oh come on, guys, I’ve been a really good dude- a kalo paidi. Enough is enough- I’m tired and really, really hungry. I’m going to wriggle and squirm and I’m certainly not going to smile for the birdie – get me outta here now!                                      

Good my Pappous Ioannis is collecting all the remaining sweets and we’re saying goodbye to the lovely church where I had my special service.                                            

It’s time for my lunch – now watch me smile. :)

 Thank you so much for coming to see me being christened.

With lots of love and kisses,

 Konstantinos.

Celebrating our New-Minted Greekness at Ta Koumbarakia

 This was a long-talked of meeting: a group of us British nationals who had applied for Greek nationality, who had passed the exams on language, culture, history, geography, civics, etc., and  who had provided the local administrative offices with barrow-loads of documents, had finally got towards the end of the process.

 Most of us were fortunate in that the Greek government had offered support to British applicants since, because of Brexit, our status as European citizens was removed. This meant that the Ministry of The Interior fast-tracked our applications. Ours took about two-and-a-half years. A lady Armenian who took the oath in the same group as me had been waiting over six years.

                                                    

Once the Ministry had approved our applications, our names were published in the Government Gazette, then in September the local offices invited us to the swearing-in ceremony. There we swore the oath of allegiance to the Hellenic Republic, thereby becoming fledgeling Greeks.

Within a month of this ceremony, we have to register at the local council offices as well as provide documentation for the registry offices to ensure our marriage certificates and childrens’ birth certificates have our nationality updated. Failure to register within that month means we are liable to pay a fine for our tardiness. : O

There were 9 of us who turned up – one was ill  while another had been involved in a car accident – such bad luck! Most of us were from the south of England, one from Wales and one from Scotland. Some of us were retired, some involved in education of different types, and one a Red Cross volunteer. Below I am with Victoria and Anne, both stalwart members of our Facebook group which supported and guided us through our preparation of the exam materials and the general  proceedings.      

                                                

What we share is our long-term residence in Greece, as well as a love for the country, its people, their language and culture.  Oh, and its food, of course. The venue I had suggested is one that I used to frequent when I first came to Thessaloniki in the 70s and lived close by. Still in the family, it’s run by the sibling team of Vicky and Christos. They looked after us splendidly and their food is definitely to be recommended. If you are in Thessaloniki, near the Arch of Galerius, go visit them at The Koumbarakia at 140 Egnatia.

                                                            

Liz had organized a surprise for us: a wonderful cake with Greek flag a-flutter - what an inspired, sensitive gesture! Here Liz looks on as Victoria does the honours and slices up the standard. There was more than enough to go round, so it was shared with the other customers at the restaurant. 

                                               

 

 And that brought our lovely evening to a close. So I close this post with the sweet message on Liz’ terrific tourta: Congratulations to Everyone!